Thirty club cars assembled at Sammy’s Pit Stop café at Bashley for the start of last month’s 1020 Autumn Road Run – many participants taking the opportunity to take advantage of the discount deal on breakfast baps and hot drinks before setting off.
The wide cross-selection of MG models ranged from a 1950s MGTD through the usual horde of MGBs and GTs and on to an MGC and several MGB V8s as well as more modern MGFs and TFs, a ZR and a ZS plus an MG3.
Among those there to see the cars depart, and taking a great interest in all the cars, was multiple world champion Sammy Miller, the founder and driving force behind his own motorcycle museum.
With a relaxed timetable cars set off on a 40-mile scenic cross-country road route heading due north through the New Forest using lesser-travelled roads passing through Brockenhurst, the Bolderwood Ornamental Drive, Nomansland, East and West Grimstead, Farley, West Dean and Pitton before reaching Old Sarum airfield where there was reserved parking outside one of the historic World War One listed aircraft hangars.
Many of the early arrivals took the opportunity to sample the liquid options at the Dark Revolution micro-brewery and tap room before heading to the pre-ordered lunch at the extremely busy Hangar 3 café.
Here club members joined some 150 skydivers and their guests – the café was unexpectedly busy as the low cloud had prevented any jumping in the morning and lots of divers were waiting for the sun to come out to catch their flights.
Fortunately, tables had been reserved and the café staff worked wonders to get everyone served despite only having access to a temporary microwave, one griddle and one pizza oven – the result of the original café being destroyed in a fire earlier this year.
After lunch the group was free to tour the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection which tells the story of 100 years of aviation history.
Displays include a Harrier jump jet, Hawk T1 (similar to that used by the Red Arrows), Hawker Hunter, Tornado GR1T, Gloster Meteor, Avro 707A, BAC 1-11 and an English Electric P1 Lightning plus several helicopters.
Many clambered up the sides of the displays to sit in the cockpit of several of the aircraft, including a Lancaster Bomber, or try their hand at a flight simulator.
The collection, which is housed in two Royal Flying Corp hangars dating from 1917 also features the Royal Flying Corps collection including uniforms, flying clothing, weapons, photography and medals from the pre-RAF days.
Those who stayed late also had the added bonus of finally seeing the sky divers in action as the clouds cleared and blue skies offered a pleasant drive home.
The next 1020 Road Run in February will also have an aviation theme as it is due to finish with a roast lunch at the Compton Abbas airfield – full details and entry forms will be available in the coming months